A provisional ball is played under stroke and distance when your first ball might be lost or OB. Declare it before you hit — otherwise the second ball becomes the ball in play.
What is a provisional ball?
A provisional ball is a second ball you play under penalty of stroke and distance when your first ball might be lost or out of bounds — so you don't have to walk back (Rule 18.3).
The one mistake that costs you
If you hit a second ball without saying "provisional," the second ball becomes your ball in play automatically and the first is out of play — even if you find it.
When the provisional is abandoned
| Outcome | What happens |
|---|---|
| Original found in bounds | Abandon provisional, play original |
| Original lost / OB | Provisional becomes ball in play (counts +1 penalty) |
| Provisional also hit OB/lost | Keep playing provisionals until one stays in play |
Provisional vs penalty area
You don't play a provisional for a ball you think is in a penalty area — that's a different relief path (drop, one stroke).
Quick answers
When should you hit a provisional ball in golf? Whenever your ball might be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds (Rule 18.3).
What happens if you find your original ball after hitting a provisional? If found in bounds within 3 minutes, the provisional is abandoned with no penalty.
Do you have to declare a provisional ball? Yes, clearly, before the stroke.
Can you hit a provisional ball for a ball in a water hazard? No, you take penalty area relief instead.